Former Real Madrid defender and Spain’s 1982 World Cup coach, Jose Emilio Santamaria, has died at the age of 96, the club announced on Wednesday.
Real Madrid paid tribute to Santamaria, describing him as one of the greatest figures in the club’s history and in global football.
The centre-back, who joined Madrid in 1957 from Uruguayan side Nacional, was a key part of one of the club’s most successful eras, playing alongside legends such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Francisco Gento and Raymond Kopa.
During his time at the club, Santamaria won four European Cups—in 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1966—alongside six La Liga titles and several other honours.
Born in Uruguay, he earned 25 caps for the national team before becoming a naturalised Spaniard and representing Spain at the 1962 FIFA World Cup. He later went on to coach the Spanish national team, including at the 1982 tournament.
